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PEOPLE OF HOUSTON | may 2012

April 30, 2012

Sarah Stewart 

age: 47

sign: Virgo

occupation: Designer of hand printed scarves and wraps.

www.shopsarahstewart.com

• What do you do in your spare time? Lots of things – yoga, tennis, run, draw, read –

hang out with my kids, friends and family.

• What was the best concert you ever attended?

Rolling Stones when I was in high school.

• What is your favorite place to hang out?  Home or on my yoga mat.

• If you could only wear one cosmetic product, what would it be? Toenail polish.

• Where would you like a vacation home? Bali, Indonesia. We lived in Indonesia

when my kids were babies. I love that part of the world. It is so peaceful.

• What’s in your closet that you just can’t let go of?  I have an amazing sequined

cocktail dress that was my mom’s. It’s still beautiful.

Robert Hess

age: 46

sign: Virgo

origin: German/Dutch

occupation:  Regional Executive for South Texas / Managing Director, U.S. Trust

• If you could meet a celebrity, who would it be? General George S. Patton.

• What is one thing you can’t live without? Flip-flops because I love the beach.

• If you never had to work, what would you do? Exactly what I’m doing right now.

• If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

I would add a little more grey in my life; I wouldn’t be so black and white.

• What is your favorite movie? Lonesome Dove.

• What’s your favorite room in your house?

Kitchen – I like to cook and it’s a family gathering place.

Israel A. Oregon

origin: Mexico City, Mexico

• If you never had to work, what would you do?

I would volunteer at the Boys and Girls Club.

• Where are you going on your next vacation?

Puerto Rico (again). Love that little island.

• Would you rather cook, dine out or take out? If it’s a weekend dine out, cook if I

have company over and take out after a long day at work.

 

Photography by Anthony Rathbun

Filed Under: People, People of Houston

NON PROFIT | may 2012

April 30, 2012

The Asia Society Houston

The Asia Society’s new $48.4 million center opened to great fanfare last month, with former President George H.W. Bush and former First Lady Barbara Bush chairing the grand opening event. “The Society has evolved into a very large and important organization in Houston and it’s very exciting to be a part of that,” said Fritz Lanham, Director of Communications and Marketing.

The big move

The nonprofit organization has been in Texas since 1979 but the new Museum District building is a major move for the Asia Center. Designed by award-winning Japanese architect Yoshio Taniguchi, the new Asia Society Center building greatly expands its capabilities. “We’ve done musical and dance performances at various venues around town but we never had our own theatre. Now we do. This gives us the opportunity to really showcase elements of Asian achievement,” says Lanham of the 273-seat Brown Foundation Performing Arts Theater. The space also includes the 4,000sf Louisa Stude Sarofim Gallery. “The building is kind of a work of art in itself. Mr. Taniguchi is known for his very elegant designs and his high standards for materials and workmanship. The limestone that makes up most of the exterior is from Bavaria and dates back to the Jurassic era, so it’s full of fossils,” he reveals. “There’s no other building that’s like this in Houston.”

 A rich history

John D. Rockefeller III founded the Asia Society in New York City in 1956. Rockefeller grew up surrounded by his parents’ collection of Chinese and Japanese ceramics, Japanese prints and Buddhist sculpture. His experience serving on the post-World War II peace mission to Japan led by John Foster Dulles increased his interest in U.S.-Asian relations. He created the Asia Society in 1956 as a nonprofit, nonpartisan, educational organization aimed at increasing Americans’ understanding of Asian history, politics and culture.

 

Australian Aboriginal performer and storyteller

In 1979, a group headed by former First Lady Barbara Bush and former Ambassador Roy M. Huffington formed the Texas branch. Asia Society now comprises 11 centers around the world – New York, Houston, Washington, D.C., Southern California, Northern California, Seoul, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Manila, Melbourne and Mumbai.

Policy and business

“Our definition of Asia extends from Japan in the East all the way to include Iran in the West. It includes Australia and New Zealand,” says Lanham. In an effort to increase understanding of Asian policy, the Center hosts regular evening lectures by renowned scholars and authors.

 

Arts and culture

“People can come here and see a concert of Iranian music or an exhibition of Chinese ceramics,” says Lanham. This month’s events include Coleman Barks and Friends Bring to Life Mystical Power of Rumi’s Poetry. “Barks is the leading English-language translator of the Persian poet Rumi. He brings with him a percussionist, a cellist and a dancer. It’s kind of a multimedia performance celebrating the work of Rumi,” he explains.

Education

In addition to hosting public programs and lectures, the 3,000sf Edward Rudge Allen III Education Center is dedicated to education and learning. Family days include crafts, dance and presentations. Adult classes will include Persian calligraphy and Tai Chi. The Asia Center is also organizing school tours. “Our mission,” explains Lanham, “is to bring Asians and Americans together to confront shared problems and challenges, to share with Americans the richness of Asian culture and to prepare them for a shared future.”

MAY EVENTS Coleman Barks and Friends Bring to Life Mystical Power of Rumi’s Poetry May 22 at 7:30pm Treasures of Asian Art: A Rockefeller Legacy Thru September 16

Asia Society Texas Center 

1370 Southmore Blvd. | Houston, TX  77004

713.496.9901  | www.asiasociety.org/texas

By Nadia Michel Photo courtesy of Asia Society Texas Center

Filed Under: Non-Profit

ON OUR RADAR | may 2012

April 30, 2012

Community

Daughter-in-law Diaries is a website created to help develop and support mother and daughter-in-law relationships. Get advice, share stories, vent and learn more ways to help nurture a healthy relationship with mother-in-laws. www.daughterinlawdiaries.com

Mccheer’s Academy presents classes through June and July for children to experience working with clay. Carole Smith, the owner, teaches different ceramic techniques, sculpture making and more. McCheek’s Academy also offers adult classes on Thursdays to relax and create with clay. For more information, visit www.mccheeksacademy.com.

 

Isabel Brown Wilson, Life Trustee and Former Chairman of the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston, passed away. She had an extraordinary impact on MFAH as well as the cultural and civic life in Houston. As Chairman, she helped MFAH’s collections and programs grow considerably, with 16,000 new pieces and 200 new exhibitions.

 

Japhet Creek Ginger Finger Park and Dawson-Lunnon Cemetery received makeovers with the helping hand of the Greater East End Management District (GEEMD), Keeping Houston Beautiful and over 275 volunteers. As a Houston landmark back in the day, Japhet Creek was refurbished with shrubs, grass and trees to help create a healthier environment for the animal life there. Dawson-Lunnon Cemetery had trash replaced with plants and shrubs surrounding the walkways throughout the cemetery. www.greatereastend.com

 

Recording

Andrea Bocelli returns to the stage on November 28 for a one-night-only performance with the Houston Symphony and the Houston Symphony Chorus at the Toyota Center. This special performance will include a new program with Bocelli’s love songs. www.toyotacentertix.com

Business

Wulfe & Co. announced that the new 2.2 million square feet of retail space to be built and opened this year has doubled from the 1.1 million square feet of space built in 2011. This is a result from most of Houston’s shopping centers reaching 90% occupancy, and rental rates are projected to increase. New retail entering the Houston area are HEB, Joe V’s Smartshop, Kroger, Trader Joe’s, Aldi, Wal-Mart, Academy, Kohl’s Marshall’s and two new theatres.

 

Retail Wrap

Photo by Julie Landreth

The Urban Market Houston Antique Show comes to town on May 19 and 20 at the Bayou City Event Center. Merchants from all over the country show their merchandise. www.theurbanmarkethouston.com · Everything But Water opened in the Galleria last month. The specialty retailer offers luxurious swimwear and resort wear, from swimsuits and cover-ups to accessories necessary for the water. www.everythingbutwater.com

 

If you’re a Chan Luu fan, the Jewelry designer will be in town for a trunk show featuring her amazing baubles at t J. Silver may 11–13. 2412 Rice Blvd, www.jsilverdesigns.com

 

For Art’s Sake

Jennifer Gardner joins DiverseWorks as the Director of External Affairs. She will be responsible for the company’s marketing, publicity efforts and community relationships in addition to their fundraising activities. www.diverseworks.org

Fresh Arts Coalition and Spacetaker merged creating a new organization called Fresh Arts. The merger was approved unanimously by both Boards to better support and inspire artists, strengthen the arts organizations and creative community in Houston, and deepen public participation in the arts. For the next few months the associations will be carrying out the merger process.

 

The Board of Trustees of The Menil Collection has narrowed down the search of the architect to design the Menil Drawing Institute. The firms competing to design the MDI building are David Chipperfield Architects (London), Johnston Marklee (Los Angeles), SANNA (Tokyo) and Tatiana Bilboa (Mexico City). The selection is to be announced in June 2012. This is the first building to be created in the museum’s longstanding expansion plans. www.menil.org

DineWrite

Straits Asian Bistro & Lounge, located in CityCentre recently updated their lunch, dinner and drink menus. The culinary trends and ingredients inspired the revisions to Straits’ menus. With these changes came the announcement of a new name and renovations for the restaurant. www.straitsrestaurants.com

Filed Under: On Our Radar

PEOPLE OF HOUSTON | april 2012

April 1, 2012

Paul Barrera

age: 38

sign : Gemini

occupation: Martial Arts/Yoga Instructor

• If you could meet a celebrity, who would it be? The adult versions of my kids  after they take the world by storm.

• If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would buy? A cup of hot tea so I could calm down and think about my options.

• Where is your favorite place to hang out?  Anywhere I can read.

• Where do you plan to go on your next vacation? I am currently deciding between the Seychelles and Turkey.

 

Libbie Masterson

age: 42

sign: Libra

origin:  Houston, Texas

occupation:  Artist, Photographer, Exhibitions Coordinator at the Houston Center for Photography

• If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would buy?  An old, long

yellow convertible Cadillac with white seats.

• Who is your favorite musician? Rachmaninov.

• Where would you like a vacation home?  Round Top.

• What’s your signature scent? Lys Mediterranee, by Edouard Fléchier.

• What’s in your closet that you just can’t let go of?  A faux fur mini skirt

 

cody pogue

sign: Aquarius

origin:  Houston, TX

occupation: History Professor/ Candidate for State Representative

• What is the worst fashion trend you loved? I wore flannels for a while, but people told me I looked like that guy Al, from Home Improvement.

• What is one thing you can’t live without? My friends. I think I have the best friends in the world.

• Where would you like a vacation home? A vacation home in the mountains of Wyoming, near Yellowstone National Park, would be nice.

• What is the most memorable thing you’ve done in Houston? I really enjoy

sitting on the hill next to Waugh Bridge and watching the bats fly out in the evening.

 

Photography by Anthony Rathbun

Filed Under: People of Houston

NON PROFIT | april 2012

April 1, 2012

March of Dimes®

March for Babies, Jeremy Keas Photography

The Houston Division of the nation’s leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health anticipates a three-year repeat of hosting the largest, most successful fundraiser in the nation while joining forces with new partners to aim towards reducing the number of pre-term births in Houston.

Who would’ve ever thought that our 32nd United States President’s battle with a debilitating disease would change the lives of babies forever?  Well, Franklin D. Roosevelt’s successful platform to treat and end epidemic polio in the country through the launch of the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis (now known as the March of Dimes®) would later shift gears in 1958 to focus on preventing birth defects and infant mortality – changing the lives of babies forever.

Great historical move, FDR! March of Dimes® (MOD), through its chapters across the US, continues to lead the way with research breakthroughs to discover the genetic causes of birth defects, to promote newborn screenings, to prevent premature births and infant mortality, and to educate medical professionals and the masses about best practices for healthy pregnancy. In an average week in Texas, 7,723 babies are born; 1,001 babies are born pre-term (the pre-term birth rate in Houston is 13.6%, compared to 12.2%, nationally); 335 babies are born with a birth defect; and 48 babies die before their first birthday. Alarming statistics. MOD’s Houston Division remains committed to investing in research and engaging new partners to heighten awareness, funding and support for their signature initiatives and prenatal education programs that improve birth outcomes. Ohio native, twenty-plus year development/fundraising veteran and the mother to a now teenaged daughter who was born healthy and full-term, Ellen Efsic, executive director for March of Dimes-Houston Division, leads with passion, zeal and an appreciation for empowering women with culturally relevant prenatal education (Becoming a Mom/Comenzando bien® – culturally sensitive and relevant for Hispanic women; CenteringPregnancy® – health care assessment, education and support in a group setting; and Honey Child – a faith-based prenatal program targeting African-American women currently on the campuses of Greenspoint Baptist Church and Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, to name a few) so that they, along with their families, play an active role in their pregnancy and care.

 Per Efsic, “Experiencing a healthy pregnancy with the birth of my daughter was one of the greatest blessings of my life and propels me to provide solid leadership to our Division, so that we continue to generate funding for lifesaving research and educational programs targeted at helping moms have healthy, full-term pregnancies and strong, healthy babies. The Houston Division is one of the top-performing Divisions in the country. Last year, our spring fundraiser, the Houston March for Babies, had over 45,000 participants and raised more than $3 million, making our event the largest and most successful MOD event in the country for two consecutive years. President of HEB Houston and our 2012 March for Babies chair Scott McClelland is confident that this year’s walk will surpass last year’s results. He’s been working very hard with our development committee in securing our presenting sponsor, Texas Children’s Hospital, and increasing the level of giving by newcomer and returning partners, including a number of sponsors at the $50K level.”

Rewind, Press Play! As of January 26, 2012, three area hospitals (Memorial Hermann Southwest, St. Joseph Medical Center and The Woman’s Hospital of Texas) established a 3-year commitment with MOD to serve as sites for MOD’s signature program, Healthy Babies Are Worth The Wait, a community intervention focused on reducing Houston’s prematurity rate via early prenatal care and hospital-based improvement programs to eliminate unnecessary Cesarean sections and inductions before 39 weeks gestation. “Pre-term birth is the leading cause of newborn death and even babies born a few weeks early can suffer higher rates of illness,” says Efsic.

2012 Houston March for Babies 

9am – The Woodlands/Woodlands Church at Fellowship Campus – Saturday, April 28, 2012 Houston, University of Houston/Robertson Stadium – Sunday, April 29, 2012 For team registration & more info, visit www.marchforbabies.org.

For the latest resources and  more  information, visit www.marchofdimes.com/texas 3000 Weslayan, Suite 100 Houston, Texas 77027 | 713.964.5423

By Susan M. Bynam | Photography by Jeremy Keas

Filed Under: Non-Profit

ON OUR RADAR | april 2012

April 1, 2012

Business

Porsche launches the new Macan (mah · chahn) combining the advantages of an SUV with the typical characteristics of a Porsche sports car. It will be produced in the Leipzig factory from 2013 onwards.

 

Vogue Limo is changing the way Houstonians celebrate, no matter what the occasion. Choose from a Mercedes Benz Sprinter Van, Hummer H2 Stretch Limo, Town Car, Lincoln Stretch Limo or a Chrysler 300 Stretch Limo. There’s also a Ford Excursion Stretch Limo, GMC Passenger Van or Suburban. 713.600.3290

Dallas-based Greyhound is the first company to bring a premium-level, low-fare intercity bus service to Texas The Greyhound Express Service features modern buses with free Wi-Fi, power outlets, extra legroom and new comfortable leather seats. Tickets start at $1 at www.mygreyhoundexpress.com.

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) approved DC Partners, LLC’s (dba “Houston EB5”) application for an EB5 Regional Center. The EB5 Regional Center allows foreign nationals who invest and create jobs in the United States receive permanent resident visas (green cards). Houston EB5 begins developing their first project, Astoria, a luxury condominium project in the Galleria area, in 2012. Planning for a second project, a luxury condominium/high-end hotel for the second quarter of 2013 is underway. According to an economic impact study, the Astoria development will generate over 400 jobs in the Houston area. For further information, email: info@houstoneb5.com

Retail wrap

With its amazing Mexican food, El Tiempo  recently opened a location at Vintage Park. Potbelly opened a new sandwich shop at 5800 Kirby Drive next to the Rice Village shopping center. Settlement Goods & Design, specializing in American brands and designers, opened last month at 3939 Montrose.

Awards

City View Lofts, the former Nabisco cookie factory newly renovated into 57 loft-style apartment homes in downtown Houston, was named a finalist in the 2012 Landmark Award which recognizes commercial real estate projects and developments that make significant impressions on the Houston landscape.winners will be announced at a ceremony on April 19. www.liveatctyviewlofts.com.

The coffee-table style, English-Spanish cookbook published by Latin Women’s Initiative (LWI) with the purpose of helping raise funds for a number of local nonprofit organizations supported by LWI is the winner of two prestigious awards from the Gourmand World Cookbook organization. Latin Flavors: a Taste of Our Heritage has been named “Best in the United States for Latin American Cuisine” and “Best in the United States for Fundraising, Charity and Community.” The book will now compete for “Best in the World.” www.latinwomensinitiative.org or www.Amazon.com.

calendar

Veteran broadcaster Dan Rather will be the featured speaker at Galveston’s annual Arbor Day celebration, Friday, April 27, 2012. Rather became nationally known in 1961 for his broadcasts from Galveston on Hurricane Carla, one of the most powerful storms ever to strike the United States. This year’s Arbor Day celebrate’s the community’s efforts to replant trees destroyed by Hurricane Ike’s saltwater storm surge in 2008. Ticket information available at: www.galvestonislandtreeconservancy.org.

Houston Heights Association Home & Garden Tour will be held on Saturday and Sunday, April 14 and 15, from noon to 6pm each day. Featured this year are six outstanding homes and gardens, all within walking distance to the hike and bike trails. Luxury bus shuttles to all of the homes, included in the Home Tour ticket price, will be standing by at the Heights Fire Station and at Comerica Bank where parking is available. Tickets are available at www.houstonheights.org and at Another Place in Time, Buchanan’s Native Plants, Davis Hardware, Jubilee, Lovejoy’s Antiques and Write Now!

The Houston Pond Tour takes place Saturday and Sunday, May 5 & 6 with twenty ponds open to the public in this self-guided tour. Featured is everything from patio-sized pre-form ponds to water habitats that encompass the entire backyard. Go to www.houstonpondsociety.org or www.lonestarkoi.com to find the home nearest you, and plan your route. For more information, call Dan Cook, pond tour chairman, at 713.822.5515 or dcook1838@aol.com.

 

In anticipation of the 2012 American Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, the capital city will also be home to the inaugural Formula Expo (June 15-17), giving Americans the opportunity to experience firsthand, and possibly for the first time in their lives, the sport that has captivated the world.

 

The Houston Fine Art Fair (HFAF) is returning to Houston September 14 – 16, 2012, and will be held at Reliant Center. In its inaugural year in 2011, 10,500 visitors came to HFAF and perused art from galleries representing 13 countries and 37 cities. For 2012, more than 80 leading galleries from across the US, Latin America and Europe are participating. For more information, go to www.houstonfineartfair.com.

 For art’s sake

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH) launched 2 unique programs last month: Fine Art + Food Trucks program and the Lunch + Look Program. Fine Art + Food features a curated selection of Houston’s finest mobile food sources in the parking lot adjacent to the entrance to the Lillie and Hugh Roy Cullen Sculpture Garden every day 11am – 3pm. Lunch + Look encourages guests to enjoy lunch at the museum and receive free, same-day general admission between 12 noon and 2pm. Pick up an MFAH Lunch + Look loyalty card at the counter of participating food trucks and the museum’s Cafe Express location, present the loyalty card with your lunch receipt from Cafe Express or participating food truck, at any MFAH admissions desk for free same-day general admission. You’ll get a stamp for each visit and when 10 stamps are collected, yoou’ll be eligible for a half-price membership for the MFAH. Cards expire Saturday, June 30, 2012. Free admission does not apply to ticketed exhibitions, such as Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs. For complete details, visit www.mfah.org or call 713.639.7300.

 destination

Lone Star Court (www.lonestarcourt.com), an authentic Americana roadside hotel by Valencia Group, is breaking ground at the Domain in Austin with plans to open in early 2013. Nostalgia meets modern at the Lone Star Court, with an aesthetic that’s authentically Austin and Texas Hill Country from the art in the rooms to the unique outdoor environment. Expect 123 retro-inspired guest rooms with high-tech amenities, live music by an outdoor fire pit and a dipping pool reminiscent of Hill Country swimming holes.

Filed Under: On Our Radar

PEOPLE OF HOUSTON | march 2011

March 1, 2012

AUDRA MARTIN D’AROMA
age 35
sign Libra
origin Houston
occupation Author of The Galveston Chronicles

•Where is your favorite place to shop? Barney’s Co-op or shopbop.com. •What’s your favorite trend? Asymmetrical dresses. •What’s your favorite souvenir? A string bracelet made by a street vendor in Montmartre. My husband and I bought them matching as a joke and then he proposed in the same place a few years later. •Where is your favorite place to hang out? The west end of Galveston.

ARPAN GUPTA
age 35
sign Cancer
origin Indian American (Hoboken, NJ)
occupation President of Carnegie Construction and COO of Perfect K&C International

•If you could meet a celebrity, who would it be? Colby Smulders. •What is one thing you can’t live without? “Friends” reruns. •Where do you plan to go on your next vacation? Brazil. •If you never had to work, what would you do? My own attempt at Anthony Bourdain’s “No Reservations.”

MARIANNA BRYANT
age 27
sign Pisces
origin Houston, TX
occupation Image Consultant/ Women’s Buyer for Fashion Studio

•What is the worst fashion trend you loved? Platform sneakers (Spice Girl kind). •If you could meet a celebrity, who would it be? I would love-love-love to meet Sofia Vergara. •What’s your favorite souvenir? A skeleton key that a friend gave to me after a Vegas trip. •What is one thing you can’t live without? Laughter.

Photography by Anthony Rathbun

Filed Under: People of Houston, Uncategorized

NONPROFIT | march 2012

March 1, 2012

Feel Good about Doing Good and Have a Good Time Doing It!

Music Doing Good Core Artists: (L to R) Aisha Ussery Adams, Delfeayo Marsalis, Marie Bosarge, Kenneth Gayle, Ray Younkin, Rodney Waters, Anita Kruse, Aaron Kaufman, David LaDuca and Phillip Hall. Photography by Evin Thayer

Houston, what do you get when you combine your love for music with your passion for helping people? You literally get Music Doing Good (“MDG”), a local, nonprofit performing arts organization which generates friends and funds for outstanding nonprofit organizations submerged in health, education, music and children’s charities. That’s what Marie Bosarge, president and founding visionary of MDG deems “philanthropy through music.” MDG believes in turning music into money by utilizing artistic performances for the public good via pooling audience ticket purchases to support worthy community-based organizations or a Spotlight Partner. MDG produces a distinctive public concert series that incorporates a variety of musical genres, interwoven with a central production theme, and in many instances, special expert guests, to ultimately take audiences on thought-provoking journeys.

Joey Calderazzo and Branford Marsalis Photography by Stephen Sheffield.

Bosarge and executive/creative director David LaDuca have worked tirelessly, yet creatively to propel MDG’s mission. Through its pioneering concept of “micro-philanthropy,” MDG ensures that each concert merges like-minded audiences who share a passion for helping others by offering levels of admission with tickets ranging from the minimum suggested concert donation price to the micro-philanthropy club level. Club level ticket purchasers pay more to secure a “Mix Tix” (VIP) ticket, providing a two-fold benefit: Patrons not only enjoy the concert, but simultaneously support a worthy cause. Additionally, “Mix-Tix” holders also enjoy an informal wine and hors d’oeuvres pre-performance reception. Per LaDuca, “When you come to our concerts, not only will you be entertained by a broad spectrum of world-class talent from our core artists and special guests, but you also get to meet and interact with individuals who share our vision for effecting great social change in the world through music.” The 2011-2012 MDG performance schedule has already claimed artistic merit with “BREAK THRU,” the season opener on October 21, 2011, at Rockefeller Hall that explored diverse musical genres on stages – spanning from Sam Cooke to Chopin – and proceeds of ticket sales benefited The Parish School. In November 2011, MDG premiered the performance/exhibit “Marilyn! Babydoll Reflects”– remarkably capturing famed Marilyn Monroe’s triumphs and troubles via a red carpet, gala affair filled with memorable music, a world-class exhibit featuring Monroe’s personal memoirs and a fundraising opportunity to support The Harris School. And, Music Doing Good is ecstatic about the continuation of its performance seaSON in 2012! COUNT IT ALL GOOD, HOUSTON! Julie Lambert, marketing, public relations & events manager for MDG, shares, “We are honored to be working with Ronny Cox (singer and veteran actor of movies like Deliverance, Robocop and Total Recall) who will join us on March 9 at The Ensemble Theater for Art of the Singer Songwriter, an evening of storytelling and song, benefiting Healthcare for the Homeless-Houston. MDG aims to bring national talent to Houston, like Grammy award-winning saxophonist Branford Marsalis and the Joey Calderazzo Duo to – Houston –slated for March 23 at The Hobby Center. This season, we are also launching Music Doing Good In Schools, an innovative, interdisciplinary musical-arts outreach/enrichment program for students 7 to 18 years of age who want to heighten their creative skills. The program will culminate with a live musical production, staged and presented by the participating students, on May 10 at The Hobby Center. Now, how’s that for feeling good about doing good and having a good time doing it?

For more information about Music Doing Good and a complete listing of its 2011-2012 season, please visit www.musicdoinggood.org or call 713.524.2854 x4923. 4203 Yoakum Boulevard, Suite 200 | Houston, Texas 77006

Filed Under: Non-Profit

On Our Radar | march 2012

March 1, 2012

dinewrite

Damian’s Cucina Italiana Restaurant announced Johnny B. Mandola, son of Frankie B. Mandola, as the new General Manager. Frankie B. Mandola, co-owner of Damian’s along with Bubba Butera, has been serving great homemade Italian cuisine for over 20 years. As a family-owned Italian restaurant, Johnny shares, “When Damian’s opened 29 years ago, I was 7 years old and remember my first meal. I grew up watching my grandparents cook and my father carry on this Italian tradition of wonderful food, and I want nothing more than to do the same – it’s in my blood.” www.damians.com

 

Tila’s launched a new $9.99 Lunch Special Menu Monday – Friday from 11am-2pm. The new on-the-go menu features two courses. 1111 S. Shepherd Dr.

 

Philippe Schmit will be given the prestigious, highly sought after title of Master Chef of France this month in France. He is one of only 10 designated this year – and the only one in Texas! Congrats to our French Cowboy!

 

Patron launched XO Café Dark Cocoa, a new coffee liqueur with roasted coffee and rich, dark chocolate.

 

Nothing Bundt Cakes opened a location in Sugar Land so suburbanites can get their fix closer to home!

 

Retail wrap

H&M, Hennes & Mauritz, the popular international retailer known for offering fashion-forward apparel and quality basics is set to open in Spring 2012 at Baybrook Mall and Willowbrook Mall.

Britton Sudduth Clothier, a fine men’s custom clothing company, is also new to town. With no brick and mortar retail location, the brand chooses instead to visit with clients in the office, home, country club or wherever they would like to meet, and together the designer fabrics are chosen, designs are made and specific measurements are taken. The garments are then crafted in the U.S. and within a few weeks delivered directly back to the customer. 713.828.1435

Maison Maison moved from their Westheimer location to 2922 Virginia Street. The new store is located in the River Oaks area.

Design Guru Karim Rashid’s Ottawa Collection for Bo Concept launches in March. Don’t miss the minimalist but never ordinary styles – they are sure to sell out!

For art’s sake

Dance Salad Festival celebrates its 17th anniversary April 5, 6 and 7 at 7:30pm, the Wortham Center, Cullen Theater. The festival will showcase the beauty and diversity of styles of contemporary ballet by one of the best talents of today’s performing arts from Europe and South America. Every performance in the festival chosen by its Artistic Director Nancy Henderek showcases unique ways of powerfully merging dance, theater and music. Le Jeune Homme et La Mort by legendary choreographer Roland Petit will be performed by outstanding dancers, Jia Zhang and Yonah Acosta of the English National Ballet. Stuttgart Ballet’s principal dancers, Alicia Amatriain and Jason Reilly, will dance a satirical spoof on ballet, Le Grand Pas de Deux, by one of the sought after choreographers of today, Christian Spuck. Fans of the American-born William Forsythe will enjoy a double Pas de Deux from Artifact II. Brazilian Quasar Cia de Danca is welcomed in DSF for their third time. DSF’s favorite pieces feature Mulheres/Women by the company’s Artistic Director /Choreographer, Henrique Ridovalho, along with premieres in the USA of his two newly created works, Táo Próximo/So Close and Céu na Boca/Up In The Mouth. Mauro Astolfi from Rome, Italy, brings his Spellbound Dance Company with three groundbreaking works. Compagnie Pal Frenak, based both in Paris and Budapest, will premiere the choreography Seven created by Hungarian/French Choreographer Pal Frenak. Warriers by Pontus Lidberg, Swedish choreographer, will be danced by former Les Grands Ballets Canadiens’ Gabriele Lamb. www.dancesalad.org.

The Rice Design Alliance’s (RDA) 36th annual architecture tour kicks off with impressive art collections. 1–6pm each day. The tour is open only to RDA members and their guests. RDA memberships begin at $45 and can be purchased during the tour or in advance at the RDA office and include one complimentary tour ticket at the student/individual level or two complimentary  tickets at the household level and above. $25 for members and their guests. www.ricedesignalliance.org

Buffalo Bayou Partnership, a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing Houston’s historic waterway, presents Texas’ largest canoe and kayak race, The Buffalo Bayou Regatta, on Saturday, March 10. Houstonians (ages 12 and up) are encouraged to participate in the 15-mile USCA-sanctioned race along the scenic Buffalo Bayou. 7:30am, registration opens; 9am, race starts.www.buffalobayou.org/regatta

Enjoy a glass of wine on a twilight stroll amid the magnificent flowers at Bayou Bend – Thursdays in March – thanks to Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P. Explore Ima Hogg’s historic 1920s estate and its beautiful grounds. Discover the world-class collection of American art and antiques and stroll through the garden oasis. First four Thursdays in March (March 1, 8, 15, 22) Sip & Stroll: 5-8pm (last admission 7pm), Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens, 6003 Memorial Drive at Westcott Street. Admission is $10 and includes refreshments. Purchase tickets in advance at www.mfah.org/bayoubend or on site at Bayou Bend’s Kilroy Visitor Center. No reservations are needed.

 

Luxury brand CHANEL acquired Château Rauzan-Séglain, originally founded in 1661 by Pierre de Rauzan, in 1994. Situated in the heart of the Margaux appellation, CHANEL endeavored to exalt the unique and precious qualities of this great vineyard. On its 350th anniversary, with The Grand Cru Classé’s exceptional quality of last year’s wine Château Rauzan-Ségla CHANEL announced a very special collaboration with Karl Lagerfeld who designed a unique colored version of the Château Rauzan-Ségla label for the 2009 vintage.

 

destination

Hotel Missoni, the luxury lifestyle brand created in partnership between The Rezidor Hotel Group and the iconic Italian fashion and interiors house Missoni, announces Hotel Missoni Mauritius. Located on one of the most fashionable islands in the world, Hotel Missoni Mauritius will have 80 Missoni-designed suites all offering unobstructed views of the ocean. Put in your calendar for 2014. · Landry’s recently revealed plans and renderings for the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier slated to open May 2012. It will be located on Seawall Blvd. in Galveston and will extend 1,130 feet over the Gulf of Mexico featuring family-oriented attractions including rides, games of chance and skill, food and retail.

 

The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort opened last month in the affluent Bal Harbour enclave, at once a secluded escape with unrivaled amenities and a destination at the intersection of art, design and fashion, all within reach of Miami.  Featuring an expansive art collection, and striking, glamorous design by world-renowned interiors firm Yabu Pushelberg, The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort offers its guests the signature restaurant J&G Grill, inspired by acclaimed chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten as well as a luxurious 14,000sf Remède Spa, a wide range of luxe cabanas from poolside to spa cabanas as well as direct access to the beach.

 

Business  

The Cloud Nine hair care product line from the United Kingdom is making its American debut with an exciting array of tools that give maximum style without intense damaging heat. Developed by hair stylist Robert Powls, the Cloud Nine hair products include flat irons, curling wands and “The O,” an innovative roller set that uses induction heat technology. Cloud Nine’s entry to U.S. market heralds exciting advancements made in hair care technology. Already the gold standard for styling tools in the UK, Australia and New Zealand, Cloud Nine products are safer to use, faster to heat and offer styling options not previously available in the U.S. The exclusive launch of the Houston-based company will change the way American hairdressers and consumers style their hair. For more information, visit www.cloudninehairusa.com.

Filed Under: On Our Radar

002 PROFILE | march 2012

February 28, 2012

STEVE DEWIRE
GM | HYATT REGENCY LOST PINES

Steve Dewire is a Hyatt man. He speaks with passion and conviction about the company he has been with for over 36 years and with an excitement of a kid just starting out. He began his career with Hyatt as a transportation driver and has worked his way steadily up the ranks to become the General Manager of The Hyatt Lost Pines Resort located just outside Austin/Bastrop. The 405-acre Hyatt resort opened June 2006 and delivers a luxurious Texas wilderness escape, set in the beautiful Lost Pines region of Central Texas, The resort adjoins the 1,100-acre McKinney Roughs Nature Park and has a mile of river frontage on the Colorado River, and is just a 2½-hour drive from Houston, which makes it perfect for the upcoming Spring Break. There are loads of amenities and family activities including Wolf Dancer Golf Club, an 18-hole golf course designed by Arthur Hills; Spa Django, a full-service, 18,000sf spa; and eight food and beverage outlets. There’s also a lavish man-made water park with multiple pools, including a 1,000-foot Crooked River pool and two-story water slide; kayaking and rafting on the Colorado River; and more than 18 miles of hiking and equestrian trails within McKinney Roughs Nature Park, as well as Hyatt’s trademark services, such as Camp Hyatt children’s program and Regency Club. Profile with Greg Scheinman spoke with the man responsible for creating memorable guest experiences.

Tell me about your background with Hyatt?

36 years, all with Hyatt. I’ve moved around the country starting as a transportation driver and worked my way up to opening up the Hyatt in Beaver Creek and then the Hyatt Tamaya, where we were working on behalf of 750 tribal members and I had the privilege to learn all about their culture. The opportunity to open up Lost Pines was very unique and that’s what drew me here from New Mexico. It has been an experience not only throughout my entire career with Hyatt, but one specifically at Lost Pines that has really allowed me to grow and to establish a resort where families make memories. This location offers so much with all of our equine activities and the unique experiences that everyone can enjoy. This is actually my third time living in Texas, starting with the downtown location on Louisiana as executive housekeeper, moved out to Tennessee and then Chicago and then back to Texas in West Houston Hyatt.

 Where were you raised?

I was raised in Lynchberg, Virginia. Moved to Florida at 18 where I met my wife in high school and then got my first job with Disney, which I had for four years while at Florida State. I got the hospitality bug and joined Hyatt after college. I now have three children and two grandchildren, ages 2 and 5.

 How does one go from transportation to housekeeping to GM?

I asked to be put in a training program so I could learn all of the areas of operations. I was able to get a variety of experiences in both the front of the house as well as the heart of the house. I came up thru the rooms division side and it really gave me a lot of experiences and gave me a chance to apply all the crossover experiences. It gives you a sense of understanding and empathy but also the ability to make good decisions because I’ve worked in each of those roles and can apply everything towards management. My goal has always been to stay with Hyatt. While General Manager is my current title, there are no titles and no last names on any of our nametags. Titles are not the focus when guests are here. Experience and enjoyment and service are what we all aim to deliver.

 What makes Lost Pines special?

The environment here is a Texas wilderness escape. We want people to experience a sense of decompression when they first arrive and take that initial 3-mile ride down our driveway and onto our property. Wherever you come from we want you to feel like you’ve come from far away and that you’re insulated, relaxed and truly on vacation. We have skeet shooting, golf, spa, archery, activities on the river, rafting, boating along with zip line, rock wall climbing at McKinney Roughs, which is the nature preserve that we border. 18 miles of trails and a lot of our horseback riding is done there. We have 30 trail horses. Guests of all ages enjoy it. Our recreation activities have really expanded and include arts and crafts, family Olympics, mascot programs. It’s amazing to see the participation when we introduce new activities. We really work to be innovative and add activities by the hour. We get a truly multi-generational guest. Families, grandparents, adults, children – we really need to provide something for everyone.

 What’s the best part of your job?

Summing it all together is that we are touching the lives of those that are here and allowing them to make special memories from their visit. That’s the most memorable part for our team – there are 730 associates working here in the main season and that inspires us to see how the generations come together, plan their events and we get to watch it all come together. So, when we see posts, blogs, comments that are positive, that’s the gratification for the work that we do. The personal notes from children are very inspirational.

It’s also the variety of experiences. If we can imagine it, we can do it. Our owners have been incredibly supportive of taking these steps. We could have more than 125 people taking pictures every morning with our mascots – Tbone and Ribeye. Everything here is authentic hospitality.

Greg Scheinman is an Associate at Insgroup Inc., the 4th largest independent insurance agency in Houston. Greg also plays host to some of Houston’s most influential CEOs, entrepreneurs and risk-takers on his PBS television talk show, Profile with Greg Scheinman, which airs Thursdays at 10:30pm on Houston PBS Ch.8 (gscheinman@insgroup.net).

Photography by Sarah Beal

Filed Under: Business Profile
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